Rabat’s Historic Heart Gets a Facelift: St Paul’s Belfry and Streets Revitalised

Imagine strolling through Rabat’s narrow, winding streets, the sun casting a warm glow on the honey-coloured stone buildings. Now, picture those streets transformed, their charm amplified by a newfound vibrancy. This isn’t a daydream; it’s Rabat’s future, thanks to a €1.5 million project that’s set to embellish St Paul’s Basilica belfry and the historic streets surrounding it.

Revitalising a Piece of History: St Paul’s Basilica Belfry

At the heart of this project lies St Paul’s Basilica, a 17th-century gem that stands proudly on Rabat’s main square. The belfry, a prominent feature of the basilica’s façade, is set to undergo a significant restoration. The project aims to preserve the belfry’s historic charm while ensuring it’s structurally sound and visually stunning. “We’re not just restoring a belfry,” says project manager Mario Portelli, “we’re preserving a piece of Malta’s history.”

The belfry’s restoration will include cleaning and consolidating the stonework, repairing damage caused by time and weather, and ensuring the bell tower is safe and functional. But the project doesn’t stop at the belfry. It extends to the streets that surround it, transforming Rabat’s historic core into a vibrant, welcoming space.

Breathing Life into Rabat’s Streets

Rabat’s streets, narrow and winding, are a labyrinth of history. They’re also the lifeblood of the town, pulsating with local life and commerce. The project aims to enhance this life, making the streets more pedestrian-friendly, greener, and more inviting. “We want to create spaces that encourage people to linger, to socialise, to enjoy,” says architect and urban designer, Alex Torpiano.

The streets around St Paul’s Square will be repaved with traditional Maltese limestone, echoing the island’s rich architectural heritage. New seating areas and greenery will be introduced, transforming once-neglected corners into lively communal spaces. Street lighting will be improved, casting a warm glow on the historic buildings and enhancing the streets’ safety and appeal.

Local Businesses Thrive in a Revitalised Rabat

For local businesses, the project promises a boost. “We’re expecting an increase in footfall,” says Joseph Vella, owner of Il-Bistrot, a popular café on St Paul’s Square. “A revitalised Rabat will attract more visitors, and that’s good for business.” The project also includes improvements to parking and accessibility, making it easier for customers to reach local shops and restaurants.

The project is set to begin in early 2023 and is expected to take around 18 months to complete. While there may be some disruption during the works, Rabat’s local council is working closely with businesses to minimise any impact.

Once complete, the project promises to transform Rabat, enhancing its historic charm while injecting a fresh, vibrant energy. It’s not just about restoring a belfry or repaving streets; it’s about creating a space that’s proud of its past but alive in the present.

“Rabat is a town of layers,” says Mayor Mario Fava. “This project will peel back some of those layers, revealing the beauty that lies beneath, and adding a new layer of vibrancy on top.”